The effect of minocycline on seizures induced by amygdala kindling in rats

A B S T R A C T Purpose: Minocycline is known as a chemical with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In this study, the effects of minocycline on seizures induced by amygdala kindling in rats were studied. Methods: Kindled Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline and, on the following day, with minocycline (50, 25, and 12.5 mg/kg for the three groups (1–3), respectively). The animals in groups 1–3 had similar protocols. Groups 4 and 5 were given for the rotarod test and received 25 or 50 mg/kg minocycline, respectively, without any kindling stimulation. The animals in groups 6 and 7 (seven each) received 25 mg/kg minocycline or saline, respectively. All the injections were carried out 1 h before kindling stimulation. Seizure parameters, including after discharge duration (ADD), stage 4 latency (S4L), stage 5 duration (S5D), and seizure duration (SD), were recorded and compared with those of the saline groups. Results: Minocycline (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced ADD, 1/S4L, S5D, and SD (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) in group 1. While the administration of 25 mg/kg of minocycline decreased the ADD and S5D (P < 0.05), in group 2. The injection of 12.5 mg/kg resulted in decreased S5D (P < 0.001) in group 3. The daily injection of minocycline (25 mg/kg) significantly decreased ADD, S5D, and SD (P < 0.001) in group 6. Conclusion: The obtained results revealed that minocycline has anticonvulsant effect on seizures induced by amygdala kindling. Thus, it may be useful for epilepsy treatment.